Press Release

For Release:

Contact:

George Jackson

202/393-4275

gjackson@aft.org

"This is much bigger than tarps, tents and protesters in the park—this is the beginning of a movement for economic equity..."

WASHINGTON— The New York State Supreme Court's decision to uphold the eviction of Occupy Wall Street protesters from Zuccotti Park will not deter a movement that has made economic fairness for all Americans a part of our national dialogue. We owe it to ourselves and our country to continue this conversation, and to fight for an agenda that will reduce income inequality and create greater economic opportunity for the 99 percent.

This is much bigger than tarps, tents and protesters in the park—this is the beginning of a movement for economic equity, and to hold the 1 percent accountable for the ever-growing chasm between this country's haves and have-nots. The AFT and the labor community will continue to support the Occupy Wall Street message of economic fairness through events such as the rallies on Nov. 17 and other activities being held across the nation.

# # # #

The AFT represents 1.6 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

Our Mission

The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.